It’s not rocket science that having access to clean water is a fundamental human need, and water is not something we should take for granted. Sure, the water coming out of your tap might look clean, but do you really think that your drinking water is clean? Nope. This is why a water filter is a must-have kitchen appliance. Not only does the best water filter safeguard you from all sorts of contaminants that could potentially harm you and your loved ones, but it also helps improves the taste and smell of water. Luckily, there are a plethora of water filters that you can include in your kitchen or emergency kit list. Here are our top picks for 2022.
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Best Water Filter Overall: Brita 18 Cup UltraMax Water Dispenser
Brita water filters are both the OGs and the reigning champs. This large-capacity water filter holds enough liquid to be used to fill pots for cooking or to deliver multiple chilled servings of water between refills. And pro tip: Fill it, let the water run down through the filter, then top off the upper compartment before returning it to the fridge for even more purified refreshment.
Best Faucet Filter: PUR PFM400H Faucet Water Filtration System
For three decades, Pur has made H2O contaminant-free with its innovative water filtration system, and we certainly love the features of the company’s PFM400H faucet filter. Guaranteed to reduce contaminants such as lead and mercury, this wallet-friendly filter can be easily connected with most kitchen faucets and has a MineralClear core to ensure that you have a supply of fresh drinking water at your disposal, helping you save the environment and a year’s worth of bottled water.
Best Countertop Filter: Apex Quality Countertop Drinking Water Filter
This sleek, minimalist water filter is designed to tie in with most standard sink faucets and can redirect the flow of the water through its five-stage filtration system, producing water that is free of more than 99% of common harmful materials you really don’t want to drink. And note that there is an even lower-priced option without the chrome exterior.
Best Under-Sink Filter: APEX Water Systems ROES-50 Essence Series
With this water filtration system installed underneath your sink, you can create water that is every bit as pure as the stuff you would pay $1.50 a bottle for at the store. It uses the exact same reverse osmosis system that many bottled water companies trust to create clean, pure water. And don’t worry — it’s pretty easy to install as a do-it-yourself project.
Best Water Filter for Emergency Prep: LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
While of course you never want to have to drink from a puddle, a river, or a bucket filled with old rainwater, if you have a LifeStraw water filter, you can do so with relative impunity. You can also stick this filter into a cup of questionable water that came out of your own tap. It’s an under-$20 investment that might have a stellar ROI if it keeps you safe and hydrated someday.
Best Water Filter for RVs, Hotels, and More: Sawyer Products SP134 TAP Water Filtration System
This easy-to-use filter can be popped onto almost any standard faucet that you’d find in a kitchen, motel, RV, and beyond, so it’s perfect for travel in uncertain times (and uncertain places). It can even be screwed onto a hose or outdoor spigot for clean water anywhere you have a water source.
Other Water Filters We Love
Hydros 8-Cup Water Filter Pitcher
This handsome water pitcher looks great on the table, so you won’t mind having to use a water filter to provide clean drinking water to your guests. And it filters fast, so you can keep everyone well hydrated.
Katadyn Hike Microfilter Water Filter
A go-to water filter for camping and backpacking, this compact and portable water filter is perfect for filling bottles and bladders from streams, lakes, and even puddles. The whole package tucks away small enough for use by long-distance hikers and mountaineers.
ZeroWater 20 Cup Water Filter Pitcher
Take out the guesswork with this filtering water pitcher which tells you the quality of your water in real-time. When it’s time to change that filter, you’ll know it, which brings peace of mind — and more safety.
Whirlpool WHESFC Prio Series Whole Home Filter
Why settle for just one tap with clean water when you can clean every drop (or molecule) of water flowing out of every tap in the house? Not to mention every shower, ice maker, tub, and so on.
